Fabrics for April 200845″97% Cotton 3% Spandex15.00Designer–Anna SuiThis soft cotton broadcloth, in shades of brown and khaki, pick up on the global trend for spring. Garments with gathers and pleats will work well with this fabric.

Sewl Mates

Khaki Denim65″100% Cotton Denim17.00

Construction in Progress

Schmetz universal size 10, Gutermann #506, Button-Gold/Silver 7/8″ 4.00, Ykk invisible zipper # 884

Sweet Inspirationphoto from Saks

Photo from Neiman Marcus

Pattern Suggestions: Butterick 5177, 5180, McCalls 5314, 5587, Simplicity 3881, 2923, Vogue 8382, 8185Sewing Tip: Sew 3 rows of gathering stitches instead of 2. This will give you more control for nice, even gathers.65″100% Cotton17.00Designer–Ralph LaurenKhaki & CoralFor those of you who have purchased Ralph Lauren denim before, I don’t have to tell you about the quality. But for those of you who haven’t here is your opportunity. These are mid-weight denims that are heavy enough for pants and jackets but light enough for a dress with pleats. The vendor says the denim is all cotton, but I think there may be a little spandex or lycra.

Sewl MatesWhite eyelet pique60″75% Cotton 25% Polyester20.00

Black print cotton sateen50″97% Cotton 3% Spandex15.00

Construction in ProgressKhaki denim-Button K1553 13/16″ 1.40, Ykk invisible zipper #884,Gutermann thread # 506Coral denim-Buttons K6954 7/8″ 4.50 & K6955 1 1/8″ 6.00,Ykk invisible zipper #813, Coats thread #130

Sweet InspirationPhoto from Neiman Marcus

Photo from Neiman Marcus

Pattern Suggestions: Butterick 5187, 5194, McCalls 5142, 5395, Simplicity 4135, 2958, Vogue 8502, 1036Sewing Tips: Did you know denim has a nap? Be sure to lay all of your pattern pieces in the same direction.50″97% Cotton 3% Spandex15.00Designer–Betsy JohnsonThis is a dress or summer jacket weight cotton sateen. With colors of black, tan, coral, ice blue, sage green and ivory, this fabric is sure to find a coordinating garment already hanging in your closet.

Sewl Mates: See coral denim aboveConstruction in ProgressYkk invisible zipper #580, Schmetz universal needle size 12, Button-K9118 7/8″ $1.25, Gutermann thread #010

Sweet InspirationPhoto from Neiman Marcus

Photo from Neiman MarcusPattern Suggestions: Butterick 5025, 4974, Simplicity 2927, 3744, McCalls 5378, 5591, Vogue 8495, 8503Sewing Tip: Don’t line your summer cottons. Instead cover your seams with bias strips of lining fabric using the Hong Kong seam finish.